variants
also dumfounding
as in surprising
causing a strong emotional reaction because of unexpectedness
the dumbfounding sight of the race car driver walking away from that horrific crash
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also dumfounding
as in amazing
to make a strong impression on (someone) with something unexpected
the surprise ending will dumbfound even the most seasoned mystery reader
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of dumbfounding
Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Verb
Stroud’s development has stalled in Houston, where the Texans’ offensive line has long been a problem but can’t explain his erratic decision-making and dumbfounding turnovers.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for dumbfounding
Adjective
-
While Survivor has plenty of surprising rules for contestants, socks are a small creature comfort that’s allowed.—
Brittany Anas,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Apr. 2026
-
This charming town on Lake Michigan has emerged as a surprising luxury hotspot, with 53 percent of listings now surpassing $1 million.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
11 Apr. 2026
Verb
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In one camp Gao Sheng breaks a cultural norm by helping her father and uncles with a big project, amazing her relatives with her physical and mental strength.—
Mary Ann Grossmann,
Twin Cities,
18 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This choice makes those images that do stand in for Sasha’s line of sight all the more startling and forceful.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
12 Apr. 2026
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Those startling stats mark a stunning reversal from the post-pandemic boom.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
11 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in Kristoffer Borgli’s rug-pull rom-com, which follows a soon-to-be-married couple whose relationship implodes after a shocking revelation.—
Jack Dunn,
Variety,
11 Apr. 2026
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The series abruptly concluded with Lois' shocking pregnancy news and Malcolm just starting his freshman year at Harvard.—
Samantha Stutsman,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Not only were the tiara’s diamonds hewn into the 11 stones on Elizabeth II’s engagement ring, but they were also used to create the stunning wedding bracelet Philip gave his bride-to-be ahead of their ceremony.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
12 Apr. 2026
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Fonseca also had goalkeeper Dominik Greif to thank for a stunning point-blank save against striker Bamba Dieng in first-half stoppage time.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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That honour belongs to Messi, who scored an astonishing 73 times for Barcelona in 2011-12.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
15 Apr. 2026
-
What’s astonishing, though, is that at the birth of urban parkland, these refuges from urban chaos were designed with such enduring sophistication.—
Justin Davidson,
Curbed,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Dumbfounding.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/dumbfounding. Accessed 18 Apr. 2026.
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